City commissioners begin work toward tax extension

Clovis commissioners began the process Thursday to raise $7 million by renewing an existing gross receipts tax.

Cash generated by a bond sale will be used to improve and repair the wastewater treatment plant. The tax is earmarked to retire the bond and amounts to 1.225 percent on the dollar.

An ordinance approving extension of the tax was placed on first reading and will be advertised. The tax would remain in place until the bond issue is retired in 2030.

City Attorney Dave Richards said an ordinance extending the tax was a step recommended by the city’s bond attorney.

The bond money would be used to enlarge, repair, improve and maintain wastewater treatment.

Following the meeting, Mayor Gayla Brumfield said the wastewater treatment plant is sorely in need of repair and improvement.

“Our wastewater treatment plant is about shot and we’ve just been putting Band-Aids on it,” Brumfield said.

In other business, commissioners:

• Heard a clarification from commissioner Randy Crowder regarding a recent New Mexico American Water publication explaining water use in the city. Crowder said 12.4 million gallons is the possible peak NMAW believes could be needed but average use trends below the 11.8 million gallons produced by NMAW.

“The water needs in Clovis are serious but there’s no need for fear,” he said.

• Heard from City Manager Joe Thomas about an upcoming revenue review committee. Thomas said the committee — comprised of a commissioner and citizen from each district — meets in August on even numbered years to review all revenue sources for the city and make change recommendations where needed.

• Issued a proclamation declaring Aug. 2 National Night Out. Police Chief Steve Sanders said local law enforcement will host an event Aug. 3 at Greene Acres to commemorate neighborhood watch programs. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and last until dark, he said.